New Jersey Department of Corrections

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New Jersey Department of Corrections

Official page of the New Jersey Department of Corrections
Serve with Honor. Protect with Pride. Please refrain from using offensive language.

Mission Statement:
Advancing public safety and promoting successful reintegration in a dignified, safe, secure, rehabilitative, and gender-informed environment, supported by a professional, trained, and diverse workforce, enhanced by community engagement. The New Jersey Department of Corrections protects the public and provides for the custody, care, discipline, training and treatment of adult off

enders committed to State correctional institutions so that such persons may be prepared for release and reintegration into the community. The New Jersey Department of Corrections cooperates with the other law enforcement agencies of the State to encourage a more unified system of criminal justice.

06/13/2026

The NJDOC provides incarcerated individuals with education and high school equivalency programs. These services can help break the cycle of incarceration and transform the lives of these individuals. The outcomes show:

• Academic Achievement: Students in our mandatory education programming achieved an impressive 86% pass rate on the High School Equivalency (HSE) test and 523 enrolled in the NJSTEP program offering college-level coursework while incarcerated.
• Lowering Recidivism: These educational initiatives are a cornerstone of our strategy that has seen reincarcerations for new convictions drop by 50% over the last decade.

By investing in the minds of those in our care, we are ensuring a safer, more educated New Jersey for us all.

06/12/2026

As part of NJDOC's ongoing efforts to support the health and well-being of our staff, we are sharing the details of an upcoming webinar defining ways to resolve conflict and restore relationships.

Elevated stress doesn't have to derail productivity or peace of mind. This solution-focused webinar, sponsored by the Civil Service Commission, delivers concrete strategies for managing stress responses more effectively. Through deliberate stress management techniques, emotional intelligence development, and better utilization of professional and personal resources, participants can learn how to thrive despite their stress.

06/11/2026

Recently, South Woods State Prison became the latest facility to complete the Project Pathway implementation. As of now, approximately 6,000 incarcerated persons across five NJDOC facilities have expanded access to programming and services that support rehabilitation, accountability, and reentry outcomes.

Project Pathway helps incarcerated individuals maintain stronger connections to support systems during incarceration through secure communication, educational, legal, wellness, reentry, and workforce development resources. This work helps improve rehabilitation and reentry outcomes and reflects the Department’s broader commitment to public safety across New Jersey.

06/10/2026

Last Friday, NJDOC's Chief of Programs and Reintegration Services, Dr. Darcella Sessomes, delivered the keynote address at the CIC Justice Involved Conference 2026, a day dedicated to collaboration, connection, and real solutions for justice-involved individuals, families, and communities.

Dr. Sessomes delivered a powerful speech focusing on the essential role of community partnerships. She emphasized that programs like NJLEAD thrive because of trusted local organizations that work tirelessly on the front lines of rehabilitation and reentry. By connecting individuals with wrap-around community resources, we are breaking the cycle of incarceration and securing better long-term outcomes across the state.

A huge thank you to all the community organizations partnering with NJDOC to make these vital second chances possible!

06/08/2026

It takes an immense amount of energy and emotional strength to stand watch on the front lines every day. This Men's Health Month, our message to the men of NJDOC is simple: Take care of your health first.

True strength isn't just about pushing through—it’s about taking the time to recharge, checking in with your colleagues on the job, family, and friends, and staying ahead of your physical and mental health.

Take a few minutes this month to prioritize a "de-stress" routine and schedule your preventative screenings. Your dedication inspires New Jersey, but your health ensures our shared future. Stay safe, stay healthy, and look out for one another!

06/07/2026

Processing dates for Academy Class 261 closed today, but the recruiting process continues. If you would like to be considered for the next class of recruits, submit your application today at JoinNJDOC.gov.

06/06/2026

Last night, New Jersey Department of Corrections staff attended the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games. The event was hosted at The College of New Jersey. Various officers stood in support of those competing and welcomed attendees into the stadium to commence this year’s event.

More photos from the event are shared here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCW4V9

06/05/2026

NJDOC officers and recruits from Academy Class 260 joined athletes from Special Olympics New Jersey this morning for the 43rd Annual New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Across the state more than 3,000 law enforcement officers carried the “Flame of Hope” through their communities to raise awareness for Special Olympics and their mission of inclusion. NJDOC ran with the athletes to help carry the torch through one of 26 legs leading to the Opening Ceremony at The College of New Jersey.

Thank you to every member of the NJDOC team for representing the Department and our continued commitment. Congratulations to all of the participating athletes and we wish you the best of luck!

06/04/2026

Processing for Academy Class 261 ends on Sunday, June 7. If you've been considering a career with New Jersey’s largest law enforcement agency, there's no time like today!

Learn more at JoinNJDOC.gov

06/03/2026

Technology shapes nearly every part of modern life, from employment applications to healthcare access and educational opportunities. Expanding access to secure digital resources during incarceration helps prepare individuals for the realities of reentry while supporting educational growth, workforce readiness, and successful reintegration into the community.

Recently, East Jersey State Prison completed Project Pathway, giving more than 3,100 incarcerated individuals within the NJDOC greater access to programming and services designed to support rehabilitation and long term reentry outcomes. South Woods State Prison transition is also underway.

This work reflects the Department’s broader commitment to rehabilitation, reentry, and public safety across New Jersey.

Address

Whittlesey Road
Trenton, NJ
08625

Telephone

+16092924036

Website

http://www.njdoc.gov/, http://www.JoinNJDOC.gov/

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